The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that cooperation with China has allowed Russia to bypass Western sanctions on imports of electronics for drone production. Ukraine’s military intelligence estimates that Russia receives up to 65% of components for its Geran drones from China. Beijing rejects the claims.

Explosions were heard in Kryvyi Rih on the evening of July 22 and during the night of July 23, according to a statement by Oleksandr Vilkul. During the night of July 23, the Russian army launched drones toward Kryvyi Rih.

China supports russian terrorism – thus, China directly supports the fight against Europe. The new russian drone consists almost entirely of Chinese components, — GUR. The intelligence agency has published data on the drone, which the russians use as a decoy, reconnaissance… pic.twitter.com/1mpwMf9Kkh

Russian forces have launched 71 Shahed-type attack UAVs and one decoy drone of various types at Ukraine, 26 of which struck their targets, while the rest failed to reach their destination.

The US and Ukraine are discussing a “mega deal” for Washington to purchase battle-tested drones from eastern Europe in exchange for American heavy weaponry.

Inside Russia's suicide drone factories, production of Shahed drones is being rapidly increased as Vladimir Putin steps up efforts to intensify attacks on Ukraine with expanded weapon supplies. A Russian state TV report,

Military experts reveal how Russia maintains drone supply chains despite sanctions, with reports of third countries serving as component transfer hubs.

Between September 2022 and August 2023, Russia launched around 2,000 Iranian-designed Shahed drones into Ukraine, according to the conflict monitor Airwars. That figure has surged in 2025. In June alone, Russia launched a record 5,337 Shahed-type drones, comprising both attack and decoy variants.